Page 67 of Only You

“You already know he’s crazy about you.”

I did know. He’d told me as much.

I remembered his eyes after we’d kissed goodbye that morning. He’d looked at me like I was the best thing in his life. It should have felt like a lot of pressure, but it didn’t. Ilikedhim looking at me that way. I hoped he’d seen the same thing when I’d gazed back at him.

“So you’re going to just take what you want, and then—”

“You know, you sure think I’m a piece of shit for someone who calls me a friend.”

Minty stopped for half a beat, and I got several steps ahead of him before he leapt in front of me. “Ilikeyou. I just don’ttrustyou.”

“I thought you wanted me and Daniel together? All summer, you and the other guys were practically shoving us at each other.”

“You used him in Nashville.”

“I didn’t.” I pushed past him.

“You hurt him. Hecried.”

I stopped, and Minty ran into the back of me, almost knocking me down the stairs. “What are you talking about?”

“He cried. After Nashville. He got really drunk—which he never does—and cried about you, and if there’s one thing I won’t stand for, it’s anyone who makes Daniel cry.”

“He cried?” I asked.

“We were at his apartment, that was right before he had to head home, and he drank more than he usually does. Next thing I knew he had tears in his eyes, and then one ran down hischeek!You had him one night, and you wrecked him.” Minty glared at me. “He was listening to that shitty R.E.M. album he likes so much, and that dumbass ‘Losing My Religion’ song came on, and he cried.”

Maybe Daniel had cried over me, but what could I do about it now? Only what Iwasdoing. Being good to him. Taking his heart seriously. That was it!

“What I’m saying to you, Peter, is that I was around for Kevin, and every other guy he’s ever gone on a date with. He’s never looked at another person the way he looks at you. Why? Beats the hell out of me. I mean, you’re cute and all, but you’re a bitch.”

“Again, I’m really feeling your friendship, Minty. I feel like we’re brothers of the heart.”

“Let’s talk about hearts,” he said. “If you break his, I’ll kick your ass and bury you in a shallow grave for Dr. Bass at the Body Farm to find.”

“I don’twantto break his heart, and you can keep your threats to yourself. Besides,” I said, smirking at him. “Unlike Antonio, I’m not afraid of dogs.”

Minty huffed a soft laugh. “Antonio’s such an asshole.”

I smiled sideways at him. “Ruff, ruff, ruff.”

Minty rolled his eyes.

After about twenty silent steps, Minty said, “So, you’re not going to share any details.”

“Nope.”

Minty gave a sharp nod. “Fine. If he’s happy, I’m happy. If he’s not…you’re dead. It’s as simple as that.”

“Okay.”

We’d reached the Art & Architecture door when Minty pulled me to a stop, eyed me up and down, and stated, “You look good with some sex on you. I mean, color in your cheeks, shoulders relaxed. Keep up the good work, soldier.” He saluted me, clicking his ankle boots together at the heels before walking away.

I could feel the eyes of the art students on us. Even amongst their goth, grungy selves, Minty looked like an alien.

At least, judging by their expressions, most were considering him as a potential model and not a potential piñata to beat to pieces.

***

---